Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: N/A
Written by: Benjamin Raab
Penciled by: Pat Quinn
Inked by: Ken Wheaton
Colored by: Joe Bucco
Publisher: Moonstone Books
Moonstone’s Phantom series has been one of my favorite reads the past year or so. The only problem has been the serious lack of issues. The series began at the end of 2003 and this is only the seventh issue. Making things even worse, regular writer Ben Raab took off the last two issues. Since the art team has been changing from arc-to-arc, I would have preferred Raab’s influence on those two parts. Titles can suffer from a lack of focus when there isn’t stability in the creative team. I found issues 5 & 6 extremely lacking.
Thankfully, the latest issue of The Phantom features the homecoming of two favorites. This time out not only does Ben Raab return, but he’s joined by his partner from issues 1 and 2, artist Pat Quinn. Pat Quinn’s rendering of the Phantom is nearly flawless. He captures the tenacity, the whimsy, and the strength of the character on each panel. Pat Quinn succeeds wonderfully in lending a timeless quality to this modern story.
The story begins with a wealthy businessman’s jet being skyjacked in mid-air. The coolest part is that the skyjackers aren’t from aboard the plane. They actually take the craft from the outside, while the flight is in motion! Anyone familiar with The Phantom’s illustrious history, or even casual viewers who have seen the 1996 film featuring Billy Zane, should remember the Sky Band and their sexy leader, Sala, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones in the film. The best Phantom stories place the main character in fanciful adventures with a special type of villain. The Sky Band is a perfect over-the-top concept that makes for a terrific Phantom tale.
During the story, the Phantom is enlisted by another corporate bigwig to get to the bottom of the skyjackings. Raab’s script doesn’t dawdle along, nor does it seem rushed. The Phantom’s path leads to the great blue unknown, where he quickly is entangled with the Band. Raab throws several twists our way as well as some issues of palimony. The history of the Sky Band is well laid out for readers that may not have seen them before, but the brief look back doesn’t prevent the main plotline from barreling ahead.
I can’t close the review without going back to artist Pat Quinn. Quinn is absolutely the best artist for The Phantom. Quinn’s work is highly-detailed, but never cramped. He renders action sequences with the finest in the industry, and his facial expressions are perfection. I’d love Quinn’s work on The Phantom on a monthly basis. Letting Raab and Quinn loose on The Phantom with a monthly release schedule would be an absolute joy.
This is an advance review of The Phantom #7. The book will be in stores on Wednesday June 29, 2005.
